MEPs ignore development impact in CAP reform

The European Parliament has neglected the Common Agricultural Policy’s negative impacts in developing countries in today’s vote on future EU farm policy in Strasbourg.

(Brussels, 13/03/2013) The European Parliament has neglected the Common Agricultural Policy’s negative impacts in developing countries in today’s vote on future EU farm policy in Strasbourg.

Commenting was Karin Ulmer, member of Concord, the European confederation of Relief and Development NGOs and Development network Aprodev.

“MEPs have failed to come to terms with the damaging role the CAP can have in developing countries. Development concerns have been ignored, which is a failure for voices who want to ensure that the CAP is living up to the global sustainability challenge of the 21st century. The majority of parliamentarians have voted down amendments in support of a monitoring system to assess the external impact in developing countries, as well the introduction of crop rotation including protein plants.”

For Laust Leth Gregersen, Director of Concord Denmark:

“Export refunds have been allowed to remain in the EU Parliament’s CAP position, despite evidence that shows that they harm farmers in developing countries. Under the Lisbon Treaty all EU policies are meant to be made coherent with development objectives. MEPs have failed to stand up for the principle of Policy Coherence for Development.”

ENDs

Notes to Editors:

1. * “The Union shall take account of the objectives of development co-operation in the policies that it implements which are likely to affect developing countries” Article 208 of the Lisbon Treaty. This is known as Policy Coherence for Development which is about ensuring that the aims and objectives of EU development co-operation policy are not undermined by other EU policies, such as those on climate, trade, energy, agriculture, migration, and finance matters. These issues are highlighted in CONCORD’s report.2. CONCORD recently addressed MEPs on the issue of food security and the CAP on 18 February. More info: http://www.concordeurope.org/215-ngos-urge-development-friendly-agriculture3. CONCORD is the European NGO confederation for relief and development. CONCORDs 26 national associations and 18 international networks represent over 1,600 NGOs which are supported by millions of citizens across Europe. CONCORD leads reflection and political actions and regularly engages in dialogue with the European institutions and other civil society organisations. http://www.concordeurope.org